Kumbhalgarh Fort and Palaces : A Point of Historic Significance

Situated 80 odd km north of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is a popular tourist spot. Cradled amidst mountains, the area boasts tranquility as well as serene exquisiteness. A 15th century construction, this has had its own share of historic significance. Forts, palaces, temples make the visit a

Kumbhalgarh Fort and Palaces

worthwhile. The fort, deriving the name from its builder Rana Kumbha, has been a refuge to all the Mewar troops in hostile conditions. The topographical location and the inaccessibility on the rugged terrain had gifted Kumbhalgarh fort and palaces higher level of security. Placed 1100 m high above the sea level, this fort Is guarded by a 36 km running wall. This fetches it the third rank in the world, after China’s the Great Wall and that of Iran’s Gorgan. Kumbhalgarh Palace Rajasthan evokes awe.

Second most important fort after that of Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh fort and palaces flaunt around 30 dozens of temples, mostly Jain. There are seven major gateways to this fort, each bearing its own uniqueness. The main entrance, situated in the southern portion, is called the Aret Pol. Mirror signals could be transmitted from this gateway, at times of emergency. The secong gateway is the Hulla Pol. It is also called Gate of disturbance. There is a history behind such rechristening. When the Mughal Army had attacked the fort, the army could penetrate till this gate only. The cannon ball marks bear testimony to that. The third gate is the Hanuman Pol. It is so called because it has a Hanuman temple on it.

Bhairava Pol is the fourth gate. In the 19th century, the existent prime minister was exiled from the territory due to disloyalty. This gateway bears a panel that shows documentation of that incident. What follows is the Paghra Pol, the fifth gate. This Stirrup Gate was the assembly point of cavalry before embarking for a battle. The sixth or the Topekhana Pol, also called the Cannon gate, bore a passage beneath the ground for escaping to a secret hideout. The seventh or the Nimboo Pol is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda.

The interior of the fort is a complex palatial structure. There are quite a handful of Kumbhalgarh palaces. Few of the notables are:

Kumbhalgarh Fort and Palaces:

Kumbha Palace—- This palace was made for Rana Kumbha, the builder of the Fort. It is near to the Paghra Pol, or the fifth gateway. It is made up of two rooms, a corridor running in between, windows carved out of stones and jharokhas are also present.

Palace of Queen— Made of rubble stone, it is the birth place of Maharana Pratap.

Badal Mahal— The highest point in the fort, this palace is adorned with several hand paintings.